One can always fall back on the interpretation of F.I.N.E. as an acronym and so not be fibbing. Much as i recognize the emptiness of “I’m fine.”, I’m a little afraid little else would get done if everybody went around answering the question in complete honesty, but still……

After decades of practice, it becomes easier to see through “I am fine” and move on to the more important questions. At least, for those to whom we are the closest. 💕 A lovely piece of writing you have here.

Time to get more inventive with the questions, for those whose answers we wish to hear.

I will always maintain I owe no-one my truth, nor does anyone else owe me theirs. “I’m fine” is bullshit, but a bullshitter knows when they’re being bullshitted. Sometimes you’re just not the right person for those truths.